Goons riding Anna wave face music-Aug 27, 2011,

Goons riding Anna wave face music

Indrani BasuIndrani Basu, TNN | Aug 27, 2011, 01.33AM IST



NEW DELHI: Delhi Police launched a major drive on Friday night against hooligans, stunt bikers and mischief-makers - who in the name of Anna have taken over the roads and have been harassing people. Sources said a huge number of policemen had been deployed in and around India Gate and in Central Delhi area. More than 200 violators had been nabbed within an hour of launching the drive, sources said.
The hooligans were seen stopping motorists and pedestrians on the road and forcing them to shout slogans in support of Anna. If they were not heeded, people were being threatened.
"There have been several such complaints, but by the time cops reach the spot, these hooligans disappear. They claim to be supporters of the anti-corruption movement, but indulge in unlawful activity. Organisers have told us that women have complained of molestation even at the Ramlila Grounds, but we are yet to receive any formal police complaint. As a result, we have deployed policemen in plainclothes to keep a check on the goons," said a senior police officer.
Meanwhile, Delhi Police has written to Team Anna asking them to rein in the protesters, warning them of action," said a senior police officer. The home ministry too has asked Delhi Police to maintain law and order on Delhi's roads.
But Anna aide Arvind Kejriwal said the rowdy elements were not Anna supporters. "Only wearing Anna caps and carrying the Tricolour does not make one an Anna supporter. Who knows whether rowdies who beat up policemen were not hired by elements who want to disrupt our peaceful protest," he said.
Team Anna has repeatedly been requesting his followers "not to indulge in violence or damage public property." Police has not been unable to stop the menace, despite several complaints. On Thursday night, when police stopped four bikers for violating rules at India Gate, a hundred odd men surrounded the police. "We had to ultimately let them go with a warning because it was snowballing into a law and order situation. When any such 'Anna supporter' is caught, a huge group gathers. Now, we are deploying more police personnel so that these people can be detained," said a senior police officer of the New Delhi district.
In the wee hours of Friday, more than 15 drunk men assaulted policemen outside Ramlila Maidan when they were refused entry through the VIP gate. "We have arrested two persons. A few others have been identified. A case of assault on police, damage to public property, creating mischief and causing hurt has been lodged against them. After the crackdown, we expect that instances of unlawful activities will drop," said joint CP (North) Sudhir Yadav.